Zahid: We must continue to be innovative

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s success as a nation over the years can be attributed to its willingness to embrace innovation, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Future leaders among today’s youth must continue living the spirit of creativity and innovation, said the Deputy Prime Minister as he closed the inaugural International Conference on Blue Ocean Strategy yesterday.

“We have come a long way from our humble beginnings in 1957.

“Along the way, we have slowly but surely made our mark on the international stage through the innovation of Malaysian-based companies.

“Felda as an international palm oil producer and Petronas as a leading oil and gas industry player are among the companies that made Malaysia one of the most competitive markets and business-friendly in the world,” said Dr Ahmad Zahid.

“To get to where we are today is no small feat, but at the same time, it is not a surprise.

“These companies demonstrated a willingness to explore new possibilities.

“The success of Malaysia and its people has always been due to a forward-looking mind-set, a mind-set of creativity.

“These characteristics have been present in Malaysia’s leaders over many decades and have produced many bold ideas that have advanced our nation,” he said in his closing address.

The three-day conference saw the attendance of some 4,000 local and international participants at the Putrajaya International Conference Centre.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia had benefited since it decided to adopt and apply the principles of the Blue Ocean Strategy.

He also gave special mention to theorists Prof W. Chan Kim and Prof Renee Mauborne, the founders of the Blue Ocean Strategy.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Prof Chan Kim and Prof Mauborne for inspiring us to put creativity and innovation at the heart of our national development,” he said as the audience gave a standing ovation.